Kevin

Often my favourite times to write are when I write about my friends. When I read my own drivel, I enjoy these ones the most.

Kevin is one of my best friends. I likely first met Kevin when I coached his son in soccer when our sons started sports together very early in their lives. My idea of coaching soccer was to boot the ball as far as I could and make the kids run and go get the ball and dribble it back to me to boot again. In other words I played fetch with 4 yr olds. This wasn’t the first time I was an idiot coach as you will soon find out.

Kevin is quiet. But don’t be fooled, he’s good at everything he does. He’s humble. He doesn’t seek or want attention in anyway. He likely won’t enjoy this post. I’ve played baseball, hockey, coached with, ridden bikes and worked with Kevin. He’s meticulous, and does everything right.

Some of my favourite times with Kevin were our trips in to Calgary to play hockey together. He was my defence partner and is again this summer. He gets to watch me rag the puck, and wait till I lose the puck to clean up my mess.

On these trips home we’d talk. We’d drive home on the backroads and rarely did we not pass a massive, beautiful home that Kevin hadn’t constructed. Kevin doesn’t brag, he’d mention it in passing, literally. We have a few things in common. Our fathers were both health care professionals. My dad a doc, his a dentist. I think we both probably grew up in their shadows in a way. Two sons of respected men that chose to swing hammers, or at least nail guns. We were both happy to earn our living in a humble way.

One of the last years I coached I was being way too hard on my team. It was pathetic. I was treating 12 yr olds like it was pro hockey. Kevin politely asked me if he could talk to the team alone. He told the boys he wanted them to have fun, and how could he make it fun for them. My feelings were hurt but that was my vanity, and soon realized how wrong I was, how right he was. I’ll coach again and I’ll remember that lesson Kevin taught me. As a coach it isn’t about you, you are there to serve youth.

I’ve had a motorcycle for about 10 years. A couple years ago Kev bought his first bike. He asked me to take him out and show him and his son a few tips. Fast forward 3 years and I went riding with them, and they both have better bikes, and are better riders than I’ll ever be. When I see Kev ride he looks like he was born to ride motorcycles. Not shocking is it?

We spoke the other day, we both admitted as our kids age and roles diminish that we are feeling a bit lost. We pledged to have some breakfasts together, talk if we absolutely have too. It feels good to have friends.

Kevin, if you read this you have my deep respect and gratitude for being my friend all these years. I’m not the easiest guy to be friends with.

If ya read this far, thank you.

Tris.